New Books in Biblical Studies

While scholars of ancient Mediterranean literature have focused their efforts heavily on explaining why authors would write pseudonymously or anonymously, less time has been spent exploring why an author would write orthonymously (that is, under their own name).The Author in Early Christian Literature (Cambridge UP, 2025) explores how early Christian writers began to care deeply about 'correct' attribution of both Christian and non-Christian literature for their own apologetic purposes, as well as how scholars have overlooked the function that orthonymity plays in some early Christian texts. Orthonymity was not only a decision made by a writer regarding how to attribute one's own writings, but also how to classify other writers' texts based on proper or improper attribution. This Element urges us to examine forms of authorship that are often treated as an unexamined default, as well as to more robustly consider when, how, for whom, and for what purposes an instance of authorial attribution is deemed 'correct.New Books in Late Antiquity is Presented by Ancient Jew ReviewChance Bonar is a postdoc at Tufts University.Michael Motia teaches in the classics and religious studies department at UMass Boston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biblical-studies

One hundred years ago, Gabriel Wells, a New York bookseller, committed a crime against history. He broke up the world’s greatest book, the Gutenberg Bible, and sold it off in individual pages. In 1921, Wells’ audacity scandalized the rare-book world. The Gutenberg was the first substantial book in Europe to have been printed on a printing press. It represented the democratization of knowledge and was the Holy Grail of rare books. In Noble Fragments: The Gripping Story of the Antiquarian Bookseller Who Broke Up a Gutenberg Bible (Scribe, 2024), Michael Visontay describes how Wells’s gamble set off a chain of events that changed his family’s destiny.Interviewee: Michael Visontay is the Commissioning Editor of The Jewish Independent, and has worked as a journalist and senior editor at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian.Host: Schneur Zalman Newfield is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Jewish Studies at Hunter College, City University of New York, and the author of Degrees of Separation: Identity Formation While Leaving Ultra-Orthodox Judaism (Temple University Press). Visit him online at ZalmanNewfield.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biblical-studies

Sejong Chun, a visiting professor of the New Testament at Yonsei University and senior pastor of New Creation Church in South Korea, shares insights from his book on Paul’s vision of new creation. He explores the significance of new creation in Galatians and its implications for modern community dynamics. Chun also ties Paul’s collection to a transformative economic vision, challenging Roman exploitation. Additionally, he reflects on the experiences of Korean Americans during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, offering a deeper understanding of faith and communal suffering.

Arthur Jan Keefer, an Adjunct Research Fellow at the University of Notre Dame and Assistant Minister at The Scots’ Church, dives into the significance of Proverbs 1-9. He explains how these chapters serve as a crucial foundation for interpreting the wisdom found in Proverbs 10-31. The conversation explores the dynamics of wise versus foolish characters, highlights ethical lessons, and discusses how wisdom, divine support, and parental guidance shape character. Keefer’s insights shed light on ancient teachings that remain relevant today.

In this discussion, Luke Woo, an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America and author of a new book on Hebrews, dives into the rich themes of eschatology. He highlights the heavenly tabernacle motif, illustrating how Christ’s resurrection allows believers to view themselves as heavenly priests. The conversation touches on the significance of spatial realities in the New Testament, the communal aspects of worship, and how believers can find hope during grief by identifying with Christ in their struggles.

Angela Roskop Erisman, an Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible at the University of Denver, dives deep into the wilderness narratives found in the Pentateuch. She examines their significance in understanding Israel and Judah's historical contexts. Erisman critiques traditional historical methods through genre analysis, revealing the rich literary aspects of stories like Moses drawing water. She also discusses Moses' dual nature as both a manipulative leader and a redemptive figure, reflecting on the critical interplay of leadership and trust in community crises.

Bernd U. Schipper, a Professor of Hebrew Bible at Humboldt University, dives deep into the intricate relationship between wisdom and Torah in biblical texts. He discusses how Proverbs interacts with Deuteronomy, challenging traditional separations of biblical literature. The conversation highlights the character of Lady Wisdom, her parallels with Egyptian mythology, and moral implications in Proverbs. Schipper also explores the concept of Sheol and its contrast with other cultures, emphasizing wisdom's practical significance in understanding human experience.

In this engaging discussion, Joel Rothman, a recent PhD graduate from the University of Divinity in Australia, delves into the intricate cosmology of the Book of Revelation. He shares insights from his book, explaining how cosmic imagery enriches the narrative. Rothman compares the transformative experiences within Revelation to immersive fantasy literature, inviting listeners to explore the contrast between the chaotic nature of the Roman Empire and the concept of hyper heaven. His critical reevaluation of traditional interpretations offers fresh perspectives on this apocalyptic text.

Shlomo Dov Rosen, a multifaceted scholar and rabbi, dives deep into the Book of Psalms, exploring its emotional and spiritual layers. He highlights the Psalms' enduring influence, offering solace in times of crisis, like current threats in Israel. The discussion reveals how both Jewish and Christian traditions enrich spiritual practices with these prayers. Rosen also compares the awe and wonder of Psalm 139 to Robert Frost's poetry, emphasizing their shared themes of existence and divine connection. Personal reflections on various Psalms showcase their timeless relevance.

Constantine R. Campbell, a New Testament scholar and Research Director at the Sydney College of Divinity, sheds light on the often-overlooked topic of verbal aspect in Biblical Greek. He discusses its critical role in interpreting scripture, emphasizing that it can be more important than verb tense. Campbell shares insights from his accessible textbook, explaining perfective and imperfective aspects to enhance narrative comprehension. He also explores the future and perfect tenses, challenging traditional views and revealing their implications in understanding Paul’s messages.